Aaron Gates Enters Transfer Portal Amid Wave of Florida Departures
Florida redshirt sophomore Aaron Gates is officially in the transfer portal, becoming the latest Gator to seek a fresh start elsewhere. The defensive back, who came to Gainesville as a four-star recruit in the 2023 class, carved out a promising role over the past two seasons - but injuries and a crowded secondary room have altered his trajectory.
Gates’ journey started on special teams, where he made an immediate impact as a true freshman in limited action. His debut came in dramatic fashion against South Carolina, where he stopped a two-point conversion and iced the win by intercepting a lateral on the final play. It was a glimpse of the instincts and athleticism that made him a coveted recruit out of high school.
In 2024, Gates stepped into a more prominent role at STAR - Florida’s nickel cornerback position - starting five games and appearing in five overall. He brought versatility and physicality to the secondary, finishing fifth on the team in tackles for loss (4.0) and totaling 27 tackles, including 14 solo stops. He added three pass breakups, two fumble recoveries, and a quarterback hurry, showing the kind of all-around game that fits today’s hybrid defensive schemes.
But just as Gates was starting to settle in, adversity hit. A torn ACL suffered during the Ole Miss game ended his season prematurely. The injury could’ve derailed his momentum entirely, but Gates attacked the rehab process with the same tenacity he brings to the field.
“He’s on schedule,” head coach Billy Napier said during the summer. “Still in the brace a little bit, and we’re monitoring his volume, but he’s been a full participant lately. He’s been a great example of how to approach rehab the right way.”
Gates himself admitted the recovery process exceeded his own expectations. “I surprised myself a lot throughout the process,” he said.
“Each step was a different phase, and it was surprising how well my body handled it. I’ve just been taking it a day at a time.”
He made it back in time for the start of the 2025 season and played in Florida’s first four games, recording seven tackles. But another injury - this time a shoulder issue suffered against Miami - cut his season short again.
With Gates sidelined, fellow defensive back Sharif Denson stepped into the STAR role. Denson, too, has since entered the portal.
Gates’ departure is part of a broader exodus from Gainesville this offseason. Florida has now seen 23 players - 20 of them on scholarship - enter the portal. It’s a significant turnover, especially as the Gators look to stabilize under Napier and build toward a more consistent future.
On offense, the list of outgoing players includes quarterback DJ Lagway, running back KD Daniels, and a wide receiver group that’s seen Tank Hawkins, Aidan Mizell, Eugene Wilson III, and others move on. The offensive line has also taken a hit, with Devon Manuel, Marcus Mascoll, Noel Portnjagin, and Enoch Wangoy all entering the portal. Tight end Hayden Hansen is also on his way out.
Defensively, Florida is losing depth and talent across the board. Defensive lineman Michai Boireau, linebacker Grayson Howard, and a host of defensive backs - including Jordan Castell, Josiah Davis, Jamroc Grimsley, Teddy Foster, and the aforementioned Denson - are all seeking new opportunities elsewhere.
For Gates, the move marks the end of a chapter that showed flashes of what could be. He’s a player who’s battled through injuries, made timely plays, and shown leadership through adversity. Wherever he lands next, he’ll bring experience, resilience, and the kind of football IQ that can elevate a secondary.
As for Florida, the offseason roster shuffle continues - and with it, a clear signal that change is underway in Gainesville.